Saturday, November 7, 2015

Obituary - Billy J. VanSickle

Billy J. VanSickle

Billy J. VanSickle, 89, of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, departed this life on November 5, 2015 at Pleasant Hill Health and Rehab Center surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born August 5, 1926 in Macon, Missouri to Orin Leroy VanSickle and Emma Anna (DeGrott) VanSickle.

He grew up in Macon and attended high school there. At the age of 17, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served in World War II aboard the USS Idaho in the Pacific as well as during the Korean Conflict. He met and married the love of his life, Marie Seward, on December 25, 1949 and always considered her “Christmas doll”. Bill was a tool and die maker and worked for many aircraft manufacturing companies around the United States. After living in California for 18 years, he and his family moved to Pleasant Hill. He retired from AT&T in Lee’s Summit. He also established Pleasant Acres Tree Farm and sold Christmas trees and landscaping trees for 20 years. Bill was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Lee’s Summit, who supported him with their prayers and presence throughout his illness. He was also a member of VFW Post 3118. He was an avid fan of the Chiefs, Royals and KU Jayhawks and loved watching his grandsons play football. He will be remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor and relentless orneriness.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Loren VanSickle and Otto VanSickle, and a daughter, Rhonda VanSickle.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marie VanSickle, son Dan VanSickle (Becky) of Greenwood, Missouri and daughter Deb Deatrick (Scott) of Rogersville, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Staci Kelley, Danae Grace, Abbie Durr, Jessica Novotney, Dana Deatrick, Alex Burau, Austin Burau, Blake Burau and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, Clint VanSickle (Linda) of Blue Springs, and two sisters, Betty Enke, Blue Springs,and Shirley Smith (Glenn) Kansas City and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

A memorial service will be held 4:00 p.m. Sunday at the St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 700 NE Chipman Road, Lee’s Summit with visitation beginning at 2:30. Pastor Craig Otto will officiate.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of DaVita Dialysis for their kindness, care and encouragement for Bill over the last year. Cremation will be accorded.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the St. Matthew Lutheran Church Building Fund.